Why Cape May, NJ?
Cape May is America's Original Seaside Resort and the only city in the US where the entire municipality is a National Historic Landmark. Over 600 preserved Victorian homes — painted ladies with gingerbread trim, turrets, and wrap around porches — make Cape May unique in American real estate. Washington Street Mall is a pedestrian shopping district. The Cape May-Lewes Ferry connects to Delaware. Cape May is the bird watching capital of North America with millions of migratory birds passing through. At $850K with an 82 walkability score, Cape May is irreplaceable — there is nothing else like it.
Cape May Real Estate Market in 2026
Cape May homes sell in 48 days at an $850K median. Victorian B&Bs $1M to $3M. Beach block homes $1.5M to $5M. Condos $400K to $800K. The historic preservation requirements protect values by preventing tear downs.
Best Neighborhoods in Cape May
3 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and price range
Beach Avenue
$1,200,000 to $5,000,000Oceanfront with Victorian hotels and mansions. Walk to the beach, promenade, and Convention Hall.
Washington Street Mall
$700,000 to $1,500,000Walk to pedestrian shopping district. Restaurants, galleries, and B&Bs. The social heart of Cape May.
West Cape May Border
$550,000 to $900,000Quieter residential streets. Still walking distance to beaches and downtown. More affordable.
Commuting from Cape May to NYC
Source: NJ Transit schedules, June 2026. Peak hour commute times.
Walkability and Livability in Cape May
How easy is it to live car-free or car-light in Cape May?
Cape May Schools and Ratings
Cape May City Elementary. Students attend Lower Cape May Regional HS.
Source: NCES CCD 2023 to 2024, NJDOE NJSLA 2024 to 2025
Cape May City Elementary School
Carl T. Mitnick School
Richard M. Teitelman Middle School
Lower Cape May Regional High School
Maud Abrams School
Sandman Consolidated School
Cape May vs Neighboring Towns: Cost Comparison
| City | Median Price | Tax Rate | Annual Tax | NYC Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cape May | $850,000 | 1.12% | $7,234 | 130 min |
| Ocean City | $680,000 | 1.34% | $6,890 | 110 min |
| Avalon | $2,200,000 | 0.67% | $8,567 | 120 min |
Where to Eat in Cape May
Downtown
The Washington Inn (fine dining in a 1840 plantation house), Ebbitt Room at the Virginia Hotel, Peter Shields Inn, and dozens of restaurants from BYOB to beachfront. Cape May has more restaurants per capita than almost any city in NJ.
Lobster House
The Lobster House on Fisherman's Wharf — one of the most iconic seafood restaurants on the East Coast. Fresh off the boat daily.
Parks and Recreation in Cape May
Cape May Point State Park
Nearby — Cape May Lighthouse (1859, 199 steps), birding trails, and beach. One of the top birding sites in North America.
Cape May Promenade
Beachfront walking path along the ocean. Victorian architecture backdrop.
Cape May-Lewes Ferry
70 minute ferry crossing to Lewes, Delaware. Scenic ride across the Delaware Bay.
New Development and Growth in Cape May
History of Cape May, NJ
Incorporated in 1848. Named after Captain Cornelius Jacobsen Mey, a Dutch explorer.
Cape May has been a resort since the early 1800s — Presidents Lincoln, Grant, Harrison, and Pierce all vacationed here.
The entire city was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976 — the only city in America with this distinction.
After a devastating fire in 1878, the city was rebuilt almost entirely in the Victorian style, creating the architectural legacy visible today.
Cape May is on the Atlantic Flyway and hosts millions of migratory birds, making it the birding capital of North America.
Safety in Cape May
Cape May is one of the safest communities in NJ.
Notable Residents
Annual Events and Festivals
Frequently Asked Questions About Cape May, NJ
What is the median home price in Cape May, NJ?
The median home price is $850,000 as of 2026, with 5.4% year-over-year appreciation. Average $480/sqft, selling in 48 days.
How long is the commute from Cape May to NYC?
130 minutes via NJ Transit from on the Drive to GSP. Transfer required.
What are property taxes in Cape May, NJ?
Tax rate is 1.12%. Average homeowner pays $7,234/year. At the median price of $850,000, expect about $9,520/year.
What are the best neighborhoods in Cape May?
Beach Avenue ($1,200,000 to $5,000,000). Washington Street Mall ($700,000 to $1,500,000). West Cape May Border ($550,000 to $900,000). See the full guide above for all 3 neighborhoods.
Is Cape May safe?
Cape May is one of the safest communities in NJ.
How walkable is Cape May, NJ?
Walk Score of 82, rated "Very Walkable." Median income $62,000, median age 52.4. 35% renter-occupied.
Ready to Find Your Home in Cape May?
Talk to a Premier Homes agent who knows Cape May inside and out. We have been serving this community for over 30 years.